International Peacekeeping (PO41004)
Module Convenor: Dr Abdullah Yusuf
Credit Rating: 30 SCQF credits
Level: Level 4 optional module
Module Content
The module is divided into two sequential parts.
The first is concerned with the historical origins of peacekeeping, its various conceptualisations and its application during the years of bipolarity. Sessions will cover:
- The concept of peacekeeping and its contemporary status. The origins of multilateral intervention: the 19th century and the League of Nations
- Military intervention and the United Nations Charter: peacekeeping and 'collective security'
- Post-1945 beginnings - peace observation: Palestine and Kashmir. Korea and the discrediting of collective security
- The Suez crisis and the formation of UNEF, 1956-67. The 'Summary Study' and the conceptualisation of peacekeeping
- Peacekeeping and bipolarity: the Congo, 1960-64. Classic interposition: Cyprus
- Peacekeeping and the Middle East: the operations on Israel's borders - Egypt, Syria and Lebanon
The second part deals with peacekeeping in the contemporary (post-cold war) world and explores:
- The end of the cold war: a new 'Agenda for Peace'? From Iraq to...Iraq
- A 'New' Peacekeeping? Video (Kofi Annan)
- Peacekeeping in Post Cold-War Europe and Eurasia
- Peacekeeping in Africa
- Conclusions
Module Aims
The module is designed introduce students with prior familiarity with the key concepts of International Relations to the tenets, theories and practice of international peacekeeping since 1945. It will do so, firstly, by providing an introduction to the concept(s) of peacekeeping. It will then offer an exploration of the historical and political development of international peacekeeping based on the analysis of individual, 'representative' ventures during and after the cold war.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
- At the end of this module students will have acquired a detailed knowledge and understanding of the underlying concepts of multilateral military intervention.
- They will also have acquired an appreciation of the significance of multilateral intervention in contemporary international politics as well as a wide knowledge of the history of peacekeeping as undertaken by various agencies in various parts of the world - though principally that of the United Nations.
- Students will be aware of both the potential and the limitations of peacekeeping as a means of conflict regulation and resolution.
Skills
- Students will develop analytical and research skills with reference to international conflict and conflict management.
- Students will develop their discussion skills.
- They will also work on the development of team-working skills towards problem solving.
Teaching
There will be eleven seminars, each of two hours duration.
Assessment
The assessed components on this module are:
- Essay (35% of total mark)
- Presentation/Mission Evaluation (15%)
- Two hour unseen exam (50%)
Indicative Reading
There are two basic texts for this module:.
- Alex Bellamy and Paul Williams, Understanding Peacekeeping, 2nd ed. (Polity, 2010)
- Norrie MacQueen, Peacekeeping and the International System (Routledge, 2006)
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